Winter Weather Alert: Severe Cold and Fog Disrupt Life Across India
Weather Update Today
The country is experiencing a sharp shift in weather, with severe cold and dense fog gripping several regions. From the mountains to the plains, winter’s impact is being felt everywhere. In Delhi-NCR, thick fog has enveloped the area since Saturday morning, reducing visibility to near zero and disrupting daily life. Highways, railways, and airports are severely impacted, leaving travelers stranded and frustrated.
Dense Fog Brings Visibility to Zero
Delhi-NCR is facing heavy fog, significantly reducing visibility. Vehicles on roads are moving cautiously with fog lights on, while railway operations are slowed to a crawl. Passengers at railway stations are reporting long delays, with trains running several hours late. Kanpur passenger Brij Kishore Verma shared his ordeal of waiting for hours, citing delays across the board. Airports are also affected, with flight operations hampered due to reduced runway visibility, forcing travelers to endure prolonged waits.
Flights and Trains Severely Affected
The dense fog has caused significant disruptions to transportation:
- Over 100 flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed on Friday due to low visibility. The implementation of Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) added to delays, creating chaos at airport terminals.
- More than 150 trains across North India faced delays, with over 41 trains arriving in Delhi at revised times. Major delays included:
- Mahabodhi Express: Over 2 hours late
- New Delhi-Dibrugarh Express: Over 7 hours late
- Poorva Express: Over 4 hours late
- Vikramshila Express: Over 3 hours late
Here are some of the delayed trains:
- Shramshakti Express (12451/12452)
- Chandigarh-Madgaon Express (12450)
- Rani Kamlapati Shatabdi (12001/12002)
- Vande Bharat Express (22435/22439)
- Lucknow Shatabdi (12004)
- Dadar Express (11057)
- Puri Express (12801)
Impact on Srinagar
The Kashmir Valley is also under a thick blanket of fog, severely affecting visibility and flight operations at Srinagar Airport. Officials reported that no morning flights could operate due to poor conditions, with many being rescheduled. Saturday marked the second consecutive day of disruptions at the airport, as Friday’s operations faced similar challenges.
Snowfall in the Mountains and Severe Cold in the Plains
While dense fog impacts the plains, the mountains are witnessing heavy snowfall. This dual assault of winter is paralyzing transportation networks and affecting daily life across North India. Travelers are advised to check schedules and updates before venturing out to avoid inconveniences.
Winter’s grip tightens with no immediate relief in sight. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this challenging weather.
Himachal Pradesh: Snowfall Graces High Altitude Areas
High-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh continue to experience light to moderate snowfall, creating picturesque winter landscapes. Shimla recorded a maximum temperature of 19°C and a minimum of 6°C. Popular tourist destinations like Kullu and Manali are also blanketed with snow. Areas such as Manali, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti have been witnessing consistent snowfall, making roads slippery and impacting vehicular movement. Despite these challenges, tourists are flocking to these spots to revel in the snowy beauty. Cold winds sweeping through the lower regions of the state have intensified the chill, especially during the mornings and nights. The Meteorological Department predicts more snowfall in the coming days, heightening the wintry charm.
Jammu and Kashmir: Gurez Valley Transformed into a Snowy Paradise
Winter has tightened its grip on Jammu and Kashmir, with heavy snowfall in high-altitude areas like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -1.5°C and a maximum of 6°C. The Gurez Valley is cloaked in a thick layer of snow, covering trees and houses, while several major roads and highways have been temporarily closed due to snow accumulation. Light rain in the lower regions has further amplified the cold, adding to the wintery atmosphere. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy snowfall over the next 48 hours. While tourists are embracing this winter wonderland, local residents are grappling with transportation and logistical challenges brought on by the severe weather.
